Safe Haven

Volunteer’s Code of Conduct

Our Children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. As a volunteer, I promise to strictly follow the rules and guidelines in this Volunteer’s Code of Conduct as a condition of my providing services to the children and youth of The Diocese of Charleston. As a volunteer, I will: treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration. Avoid situations where I am alone with children, and/or youth at Church activities. Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children and/ youth. Refuse to accept and refrain from giving expensive gifts from children and/or youth and/or their parents without prior written approval from the pastor. Report any suspected abuse to the pastor and appropriate local agencies. Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of children and/or youth. As a volunteer, I will not: smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of children and/or youth. Use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol at any time. Pose any health risk to children and/or youth (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations). Strike, spank, shake, or slap children and/or youth. Humiliate, ridicule, threaten, or degrade children and/or youth. Touch a child and/or youth in a sexual or other inappropriate manner. Use any discipline that frightens or humiliates children and/or youth. I understand that as a volunteer with children and/or youth, I am required to take the online SAFE HAVEN training curriculum, and I am subject to a thorough background check including criminal history. I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a volunteer with children and/or youth.

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Here is the link to the Diocese of Charleston Code of Conduct> Code of Conduct - South Carolina Catholic (charlestondiocese.org)